Newtown sees blue

NEWTOWN Junior Rugby League officials have sprung to the defence of the club and its players in the wake of last weekend's ugly Under 16 clash with Souths at Glenholme Park.

Newtown president Des Krog spoke out for the first time yesterday and confirmed documentation had been handed to police over the incident.

A total of 13 people, including players and spectators of both clubs, will face a Toowoomba Junior Rugby League (TJRL) hearing on the matter on May 22.

Four of those 13 have been charged with offences by TJRL chairman Ian Philp, after he viewed video evidence on Thursday.

Krog said he was happy to let the TJRL process run its course, but he believed Newtown had been painted as the "bad guy" in the whole incident.

He said he had not wanted to make public comment, but told The Chronicle yesterday enough was enough.

"We've sat back and followed the TJRL procedures to the law, but we just feel strongly about the accusations being thrown at our club," Krog said.

"There was a big blue, but there's nothing we can do about that except wait for the correct processes to run their course.

"There were two sides involved and it's not just Newtown players that have been asked to front the TJRL, so that shows there was more than just our guys involved."

Krog was concerned the incident could see the clublose players.

"I don't think we've beenpainted in a good light and I've had a lot of calls from parents who are concerned," he said.

"We've been a successful club and last year we won threePresidents' Cups and five grand finals and were the clubchampions, so I would rather see the focus on those achievements than an incident like this."

Krog said there had beentension between the two clubs since last year's Under 15 grand final, won by Newtown.